Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review

Greatest Costs As we speak: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

Not Obtainable

Free

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 marked a large step forwards for the corporate’s foldable line. It was a revolution in design, practicality, and pricing that took the compact folding cellphone from area of interest tech nerd fantasy to a mainstream proposition.

12 months on, it’s truthful to say Samsung hasn’t acquired the identical scale of improve up its sleeve once more. Maybe understandably, the Z Flip 4 is a relatively minor improve, extra iteration than revolution.

That’s to not be vital although: I gave the Z Flip 3 a glowing overview final yr, and the Flip 4 is sort of merely even higher. Most significantly, whereas Samsung’s upgrades are few, they’re additionally focussed, and the corporate has improved each the battery life and digital camera – two of the one areas the place the final Flip fell behind.

Design & construct

• Barely streamlined design
• Improved sturdiness
• Lengthy-term longevity nonetheless doubtful

Let’s get the apparent out of the way in which first: the Z Flip 4 seems to be an terrible lot just like the Z Flip 3.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Samsung has caught extremely near final yr’s wonderful design, so that you as soon as once more get a compact cellphone that folds right into a small sq., with a two-tone end on the surface to partially masks the outer cowl show.

There have been some adjustments. The primary physique of the cellphone is now matt, somewhat than shiny, and its edges have been subtly squared off. The quilt show is basically unchanged, however the digital camera lenses now protrude from the physique slightly extra.

The matt end now coats 4 normal colors: Bora Purple, Blue, Pink Gold, and Graphite. There are extra choices in Samsung’s returning ‘Bespoke Version’ instrument, accessible solely by its on-line retailer, which helps you to select from a variety of body and physique colors to construct your personal customized Flip.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Larger adjustments could be discovered within the hinge. That is now smaller and extra delicate, which has in flip made the show crease rather less noticeable – although it’s nonetheless exhausting to overlook. Samsung hasn’t but caught as much as rivals just like the Huawei P50 Pocket, which might fold fully shut – the Z Flip 4 nonetheless leaves a slight hole when closed.

Sturdiness is seemingly barely improved because of more durable Gorilla Glass Victus+ coating the physique. The cellphone as soon as once more has an IPX8 score (for water however not mud safety) and its body is constructed from toughed ‘Armour Aluminium’ – for what it’s value, I as soon as dropped my Z Flip 3 proper on the hinge from peak, and mentioned aluminium was robust sufficient to guard it from hurt.

What I can’t communicate to is the sturdiness of the hinge. Samsung says that the Z Flip 4’s hinge has been examined to outlive over 200,000 folds – sufficient that even with 100 folds a day it might nonetheless final for over 5 years.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

The corporate mentioned the identical final yr although, and anecdotally I’ve heard of a number of instances of Z Flip 3 telephones that developed cracks and splits on the show alongside the hinge, in a single case ruining the display completely.

Has this flaw been mounted? Perhaps. I can’t actually check that in per week with the cellphone – and for what it’s value, a yr on my Z Flip 3 remains to be effective. Perhaps this might be too. However it doesn’t matter what figures Samsung throws out, do not forget that by shopping for a foldable you’re nonetheless taking a little bit of a raffle on the cellphone breaking early.

Shows & audio

• 6.7in, 120Hz AMOLED important show
• 1.9in cowl show for notifications & shortcuts
• Respectable stereo audio system

The dual shows are one space Samsung the place has basically modified nothing, apart from the aforementioned hinge enhancements and some new software program tips for the outer cowl show.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

See also  Orange Box review

The primary display is a 6.7in, 120Hz AMOLED. Samsung reps advised me that that is technically a distinct panel to final yr, however that the enhancements are primarily for energy effectivity, somewhat than show high quality.

6.7in implies that as compact because the Z Flip 4 is when folded, it’s a licensed Massive Telephone when it’s open – albeit one which’s thinner and lighter than virtually every other cellphone with the identical measurement display.

The display is brilliant and punchy, although I feel it’s truthful to say that you may discover higher show high quality in equally priced slab telephones. There’s not a lot in it although, and so long as you may stay with the crease I can’t think about many individuals will discover a lot to fault right here.

The 1.9in cowl show is a bit more divisive. I like this dinky show, which hides away within the design when not in use, and provides simply sufficient house for a couple of easy controls the remainder of the time.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

You’ll be able to arrange a compact always-on-display with the time and different information, test notifications (and even ship some fundamental message replies), management music playback, set timers and extra. New additions this yr embody velocity dial controls for as much as three contacts, sensible residence controls by Samsung’s SmartThings system, and the power to set customized photos, gifs, and even movies on the display.

I do know some discover this display slightly too compact. It’s smaller than the one discovered on Motorola’s Razr 2022, although for my cash that display seems to be like an unpleasant midway home, virtually phone-filling however not fairly. Samsung’s model could also be small, however no less than it’s deliberately so, and fits the Z Flip 4’s smooth design.

As for audio, the cellphone packs a pair of stereo audio system, however no headphone jack. The audio system are strong, however unremarkable – they’ll do the job for a spot of music or some gaming, however gained’t substitute your Bluetooth speaker any time quickly.

Specs & options

• Flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip
• Solely 8GB RAM
• As much as 512GB storage

Samsung has outfitted the Z Flip 4 with absolutely the newest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 – basically giving this cellphone a yr and a half’s value of efficiency upgrades on final yr’s Flip 3, which used the Snapdragon 888.

It’s arguably let down very barely by being restricted to solely 8GB of RAM, and the shape issue additionally limits how a lot cooling could be crammed in. Which means the cellphone runs slightly sizzling throughout extra demanding duties, and efficiency lags a bit behind the quickest 8+ Gen 1 telephones, however this isn’t precisely a tool aimed toward energy customers.

For typical day-to-day use the Z Flip 4 is just about flawless, and solely probably the most demanding of avid gamers will discover trigger for grievance on efficiency.

128GB and 256GB storage choices return, joined by a brand new 512GB tier – chances are you’ll need to contemplate one of many larger choices, solely as a result of there’s no expandable microSD card possibility. It’s additionally value noting that if you wish to use Samsung’s Bespoke possibility to customize the design, you’ll be restricted to the 256GB mannequin.

Connectivity and different specs are as you’d count on. 5G is supported, together with mmWave within the US, together with NFC, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.

Face unlock is obtainable utilizing the only selfie digital camera, or you should utilize your fingerprint, with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner within the energy button, somewhat than constructed into the show.

Battery & charging

• Massively improved battery life
• Comfortably lasts a full day
• Barely sluggish 25W charging

Battery life was the principle purpose to not purchase final yr’s Z Flip 3. The cellphone struggled to final a full day, and the battery anxiousness was actual.

Samsung has considerably improved the scenario this yr, and whereas the Z Flip 4 is much from the perfect battery telephones round, because of a mixture of an even bigger battery and a extra power-efficient chip it’s now ok that I don’t suppose the battery ought to put anyone off.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

I’ve been utilizing the cellphone for nearly two weeks, and most days go to mattress with 30-40% cost left within the cellphone – a reasonably snug buffer. I solely struggled as soon as, on a day visiting Kew’s Royal Botanical Gardens, when the cellphone dropped to single digits round 9pm, however solely after hours of photographs, filming, and social media, which any cellphone would wrestle with.

Charging has been improved too, although nonetheless lags slightly available in the market. The cellphone can now cost at as much as 25W – up from 15W final yr – however do not forget that Samsung doesn’t embody a charger within the field. I attempted charging the cellphone with two completely different third-party chargers, restoring 36% of battery in half an hour with one, and 48% of battery in the identical time with the opposite.

That’s sluggish in comparison with super-fast charging telephones, however in actuality might be nippy sufficient for most individuals. It helps that Qi wi-fi charging can also be accessible – that is even slower, however has an apparent comfort issue.

Digicam & video

• Nice important digital camera
• Ultrawide however no telephoto
• Respectable selfie digital camera – or use the principle lens

If the battery was the Flip 3’s largest flaw, the cameras have been an in depth second. Samsung hasn’t achieved as a lot to repair these, however has shored up the weakest level and definitely made this set-up stronger than it was.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

There are three cameras right here: a pair of 12Mp rear cameras (one important, one ultrawide) and a 10Mp selfie digital camera in a punch-hole on the inside show. There’s no telephoto possibility in any respect right here, which is arguably its largest weak point – although it might be remiss of me to not level out that neither the Pixel 6 or iPhone 13 function a telephoto both.

The one actual change from the Flip 3 is to the principle digital camera, which contains a new, bigger picture sensor, able to catching extra gentle. Which will sound like a small change, however the outcomes are transformative. Even in brilliant daylight this digital camera is head-and-shoulders above final yr’s, and in low gentle the distinction is much more stark, although you’ll see a niche in high quality between the Flip 4 and high images telephones.

Samsung’s color tuning is brilliant and maybe a contact over-saturated, however the punchy, vibrant photographs actually are a pleasure. Seize velocity appears improved too – whereas the Z Flip 3 typically struggled with fast-moving animals or youngsters, I spent a day in a cat café with the Flip 4 and by no means had an issue.

The ultrawide impresses for probably the most half too, although there’s no {hardware} improve right here. There’s a drop intimately, and it gained’t compete with the principle lens (or rival telephones) in more durable lighting, however for probably the most half it will get the job achieved.

The 10Mp selfie digital camera isn’t unhealthy both, however you may really favor to make use of the principle cameras. With the cellphone closed you should utilize the quilt show as a preview display for selfies or video captured from both of the rear lenses – upgraded this yr so as to add within the possibility for portrait mode, or to see the picture preview within the appropriate side ratio (albeit with extreme letterboxing!).

This is without doubt one of the methods the Z Flip 4 has a photographic edge regardless of the comparatively restricted {hardware}. The opposite is that the versatile display makes this an optimum cellphone for recording video (as much as 4K@60fps), as you may prop it up virtually wherever. I like that for recording units within the fitness center to test my type, however I believe Samsung actually has the TikTok crowd in thoughts.

Software program & updates

• Ships with Android 12
• 4 years of OS updates assured

The Z Flip 4 ships with Android 12, operating Samsung’s One UI 4.1 on high.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

One UI isn’t my absolute favorite Android pores and skin on the market, nevertheless it’s one of many higher ones. You’ll need to put up with fairly a couple of pre-installed apps (some Samsung, some the likes of LinkedIn or Microsoft Groups) and what is usually a inflexible, rigid UI, however the perk is that that is about as straightforward to make use of as Android ever will get.

You’ll additionally get the total advantages of Android 12, together with the Materials You UI customisation and complete privateness options, and additional software program tips for those who hyperlink your cellphone to different Samsung gear like headphones, smartwatches, or sensible residence tech.

There are additionally software program diversifications for the foldable. I’ve talked about a couple of already for the quilt show and digital camera, however one other key one is Flex mode, which helps you to transfer an app’s show content material to 1 half of the show when it’s partially folded, with additional controls on the opposite. Some apps, just like the digital camera, have customized controls, however an non-compulsory experimental setting permits you to allow this for any app, providing you with choices like screenshotting, brightness & quantity controls, and even turning the underside half of the display into an erstwhile trackpad for the app.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Samsung can also be the Android market chief on updates. Flagships just like the Z Flip 4 are promised 4 Android model updates, beginning with this yr’s Android 13, and 5 years of safety patches. To be frank, meaning I believe this cellphone will nonetheless be getting software program updates lengthy after the hinge or show give out.

Worth & availability

The Z Flip 4 is obtainable to pre-order now, and goes on sale formally on Friday 26 August.

At a beginning value of $999/£999/€1,099 this is identical value as earlier than within the US, however really £50/€50 dearer within the UK and Europe – which stings slightly after the Z Flip 3’s value minimize, although is definitely beneath present inflation. Right here’s the total pricing:

• 128GB: $999/£999/€1,099
• 256GB: $1,059/£1,059/€1,159
• 256GB Bespoke Version: $1,139/£1,099/€1,199
• 512GB: $1,179/£1,199/€1,279

Worth for value and spec for spec the Z Flip 4 nonetheless isn’t actually nice worth – you may get related specs for a couple of hundred much less elsewhere, or rather more highly effective cameras and {hardware} for a similar value.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Nonetheless, that’s evaluating to telephones that don’t fold. That is nonetheless reasonably priced for a foldable, and homeowners must be open to paying slightly additional for the shape issue. The worth premium feels acceptable, however be sure you’re snug with the added threat of restore or substitute prices in case your hinge develops points.

For extra options, try our rankings of the perfect telephones and finest Android telephones to see what else is on the market, or the perfect Samsung Galaxy telephones for extra choices from the Korean firm.

Verdict

The Z Flip 4 isn’t an ideal cellphone, and it’s unlikely to win over any haters. But it surely’s undoubtedly the perfect foldable on the worldwide market proper now (maybe that’s not saying a lot although), and may convert anybody who was on the fence about final yr’s mannequin.

The areas the place the cellphone excels – sheer specs, a snazzy foldable design, and sensible software program that makes the many of the {hardware} – are sufficient to make it a worthy rival to every other flagship on the market.

The earlier cellphone’s two key flaws – the quick battery life and fundamental digital camera – have been addressed, if not completely mounted. Each at the moment are ok the place they beforehand weren’t, eradicating the principle causes to hesitate over selecting up a Flip.

Sturdiness stays my solely actual concern, not least as a result of it’s the one factor I can’t check for myself. I can’t assure that the Z Flip 4 will final so long as different units, that it gained’t break earlier than you’re in any other case able to improve. But when that’s a guess you’re keen to take, it is a cellphone value taking a raffle on.

Specs

• Android 12 with One UI
• 6.7in Full HD+ (2640×1080) foldable 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X with HDR10+ help
• 1.9in Tremendous AMOLED (260×512) cowl display
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 octa-core processor
• 8GB RAM
• 128/256/512GB inside storage
• 12Mp, f/1.8, OIS rear digital camera + 12Mp extremely vast, f/2.2
• 10Mp, f/2.4 entrance digital camera
• Facet-mounted fingerprint scanner
• 2D face recognition
• Wi-Fi 6
• Bluetooth 5.2
• GPS
• NFC
• 4G LTE
• IPX8
• USB-C
• 3700mAh non-removable battery
• 25W wired charging
• Wi-fi charging
• Unfolded: 165.2x 71.9 x 6.9mm
• Folded: 84.9 x 71.9 x 17.1-15.9mm
• 187g